Are you a color artist trying to delve into gouache paint?
Perhaps you want to enjoy the advantages of both watercolor and acrylic paints. Well, you’re looking at a great choice.
Gouache is a highly pigmented water media paint, almost like watercolor. However, gouache has better opacity and color vibrancy similar to acrylic paints. Still, it retains the water-soluble properties of watercolor.
You’ll achieve great coverage with a beautiful matte finish and still be able to make adjustments even after the paint dries. The ability to rewet gouache helps artists fix mistakes or bring forth desired effects days or even months later.
If you are just starting out with gouache, the type of brushes you use will define your experience and play a significant role in your success.
So, what are the best brushes for gouache? The best brushes for gouache are soft textured and flexible with good fluidity. They are like watercolor brushes, but are springier and less “thirsty” (they will lift paint off a little less easily).
If you haven’t been painting long enough, choosing artists’ most treasured tools can be intimidating. Don’t worry though. This article is the perfect guide to the best brushes for gouache and where you can find them.
Let us take you through the selection process first.
Brushes For Gouache – What to Consider
There’s a mammoth of brush types in a range of the textures, shapes, and sizes. How do you select the correct brushes for gouache? Here are a few pointers to get you in the right direction before committing your cash.
Material
Synthetic vs. natural hairs, which one is the best for gouache?
Many artists swear by synthetic brushes for gouache, but a brush’s suitability really depends on the consistency and technique you are working with.
Synthetic bristle brushes are generally ideal for water media paints, including gouache. They are springy and retain just the right amount of water needed to work with it.
Natural hair bristles may however be more appropriate for watered-down gouache. The soft ones in particular are great for glazing and layering without upsetting the bottom coats of paint.
You also need to consider the construction of the ferrule and handle.
Go for non-corrosive metallic ferrules such as aluminum or brass. Plastic handles remain stable even when left in water for the longest time. Unfortunately, wood will absorb water and crack.
If you can’t stand plastics, ensure the wood is painted with quality enamel or lacquer, and avoid leaving your brushes sitting in water too long.
Shape and Size
As with any type of paint, you’ll need a combination of brush sizes and shapes when working with gouache.
At least one small round tip brush, one large round tip brush, and a broad brush for large surface areas or backgrounds will make a good start. You might also need a rigid flat brush if you intend to work with a buttery consistency.
The length of the brushes also ranges between short, long and standard sizes. Here, it’s a matter of preference and comfort.
You’ll have the freedom to experiment with a broader variety of brush shapes and sizes as you progress.
Budget
A set of natural hair brushes cost a fortune. Synthetic bristle brushes are more wallet-friendly and do an equally excellent job if you get a good quality brush.
As a beginner, you do not need expensive top-shelf sable brushes when trying out gouache. You can go for something a bit cheaper to test it out or perfect your skills first.
Besides, gouache wears out brushes much faster than watercolors, so you need to be wary about spending a fortune on them.
The 5 Best Brushes For Gouache
Now to the best part of the post, we have gathered 5 artist recommended brushes for gouache. We think they’ll be great for the professional, hobbyist, student, or kid painter hoping to work with gouache.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Artecho Paint Brushes Set | Medium length, taklon hair, 18 pc |
| 2. | MyArtscape Pocket Paint Brush Set | Short handle, synthetic hair, 7 pc |
| 3. | Transon Artist Paint Brush Set | Short handle, nylon, 12 pc |
| 4. | U.S. Art Supply Paint Brush Set | Long-handle, nylon, 15 pc |
| 5. | Vikewe Artist Paint Brush Set | Medium length, nylon, 16 pc |
If you’re ready to put finally put a brush down on that fancy gouache paper, let’s help you find the best starter set for your needs.
1. Artecho Paint Brushes Set
If you love experimenting with different brush types and sizes, this Artecho brand of gouache brushes has got you sorted.
The wide selection has two liners, four flats, three rounded, three filberts, two angulars, and one fan brushes.
Each of them is made from premium Taklon hair, aluminum ferrules, and standard length (7”) birchwood handles complete with size number imprints.
It comes as a bundle with a palette knife for color mixing and a watercolor sponge for textured effects.
Everything fits nicely in a zippered carrying case, which also doubles up as a stand for holding the brushes.
This is a complete set with a brush for every need. Whether you want to do detailed artwork or coat one vast surface, paint on canvas or do gouache body art, this set has got you covered.
2. MyArtscape Pocket Paint Brush Set
Do you love painting on the go? MyArtscape pocket paint brush set is true to its name. It is conveniently compact and the perfect travel companion.
You get a flat, bright, liner, filbert, and angle brush -one each, plus two round brushes. Whichever style you choose, there’s a brush for the job.
The birchwood handles are short and measure 5” so the whole set fits comfortably in your pocket. The brush filaments are crafted from Korean synthetic Taklon with a tapered cut that gives the brushes smooth, flexible, strokes.
Even after multiple uses, this set will stand up to wear and tear caused by water and paint. The bristles won’t come loose, nor will the black lacquer peel or flake. The portable fabric storage case is also designed to stand on its own as a convenient holder for the brushes keeping them within the painter’s reach.
This is a wonderful set with a good variety of brushes, low on storage space, easy to pack and carry around to wherever your inspiration leads you.
3. Transon Artist Paint Brush Set
Transon offers artists a great selection of handmade brushes in several medium sizes ranging from 7 to 9” long. There’s a mix of tip styles too; flats, filberts, angles, rounds, and liners.
The handle is curved with a belly to be ergonomic hence a comfortable grip for hours of painting without your hands getting sore.
The nylon bristles are soft, flexible with the right amount of stiffness and absorbency. They take up and distribute paint evenly.
These bristles are double crimped with aluminum ferrules for twice the durability and sturdiness. They will last a long time without straying or coming loose.
Though every brush is individually packed, it doesn’t come with a carrier case. Also, the fan brush is not included in this set.
Still, you get excellent craftsmanship and performance at an unbeatable price, making these brushes an excellent buy for the hobbyist, newbies, and the slightly experienced artist who does not want to spend so much.
5. U.S. Art Supply Paint Brush Set
For extra long handle brushes that paint gracefully, go for this U.S art supply brush set. It comes with 15 brushes -about a foot(12”) long, in assorted styles including fan, shader, bright, flat, round, angle and rigger.
The black and gold brushes have a sleek and smooth design with lacquered wood handles and aluminum ferrules.
Aesthetics aside, the hairs are made from nylon with anti-shedding technology. You do not have to worry about leaving them in water for extended periods; the brush shape and sturdiness remains stable.
The brushes must be so good that the company offers a lifetime warranty; they are sure of the stellar construction and that you will absolutely love them.
We loved that it also comes with a protective case that offers storage, keeping everything organized. It also transforms into a pop-up stand, so all brushes are within reach while you paint.
4. Vikewe Artist Paint Brush Set
If you love made by hand brands, then this paint brush set is for you. It is crafted beautifully and sturdily for gouache and other types of paint.
It comes with an array of medium length brushes: a liner, a fan, some rounds, angular, flats, and filberts.
The premium quality nylon hairs are glued in tightly to resist splitting or falling out common with frequently used brushes. The black lacquer on the wood does not chip either, so you can flaunt the set’s sleekness for longer.
You can clean them with a 360 degree rotation, they won’t budge. The brushes are built to be resilient and maintain their shape and spring.
Everything comes organized in a nice case that opens into a pop-up stand. The manufacturer even threw in a free watercolor sponge and palette knife. This is an impressive set with an appealing design, outstanding construction, and acceptable performance.
Up Next: How To Avoid Brush Strokes When Painting With Acrylics
